Graduate Certificate in Nanobiotechnology

The Program

With financial support from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University offer graduate certificates in nanobiotechnology. Tremendous advances in development of nanoscale, nanostructured, and nano-enabled materials for biotechnology applications are currently taking place. In particular, the development of advanced materials (e.g., electronic materials, optical materials, biologically-derived materials, and nanoscale materials) will allow for the development of next generation systems for use in medicine, homeland defense, and agriculture. These systems will provide integration of multiple functions, miniaturization of devices, an increase in stability, and a decrease in cost. In order for universities, companies, and governmental agencies to pursue this highly specialized work, students must be trained at the graduate level to perform work at the interface of nanoscale science and biotechnology. The nanobiotechnology certificates are aligned with the need for highly trained professionals to nurture rapid growth of nanobiotechnology infrastructure in North Carolina. The keystone of the certificates at both universities is a core nanobiotechnology course (BME 540, 3 credit hours), in which lectures, open discussion, and student presentations will be used to introduce students to this area of study.

Participants

Students in graduate degree programs at the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering and other graduate degree programs at UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University are eligible to participate in the certificate programs. The nanobiotechnology certificate will be open to all students regardless of their home department or school. Local professionals and others in the community can enroll as post-baccalaureate students to participate in the nanobiotechnology graduate certificate program at NC State University. Preference will be given to applicants with science and engineering backgrounds. We welcome applications regardless of age, disability, sex, race, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation.

Program Requirements

Credit hours:

Twelve credit hours from an approved listing of required and elective courses.

Core Course:

Biomedical Engineering (BME 540) Nanobiotechnology Processing (3 credit hours). Topics at the interface of nanoscale and biotechnology will be discussed. Chemical, physical, and biological properties of nanostructured biomaterials, devices and systems. Lectures and problem-based learning will be used to present development of nanobiotechnology-enhanced materials and devices.

Required Courses:

Select 9 credit hours from the courses listed below (or other relevant courses as mutually determined by the certificate program director and the student).

At NCSU:

Biomanufacturing (BEC/CHE) 562 – Fundamentals of Bio-Nanotechnology (3 credit hours). Concepts of nanotechnology are applied in the synthesis, characterization, recognition and application of biomaterials on the nanoscale. Emphasis will be given to hands-on experience with nanostructured biomaterials; students will also be familiarized with the potential impact of these materials on different aspects of society and potential hazards associated with their preparation and application.

Chemistry (CH) 747 – Nanobiotechnology (3 credit hours). An introduction to nanobiotechnology, with a focus on biological applications such as bioimaging and biosensing. Principles underlying methods of nanomaterials fabrication and characterization will be introduced, and major characterization techniques will be discussed. Nanoparticles, quantum dots, and carbon nanotubes will be used as representative examples of novel nanomaterials with unique properties. The strengths and weaknesses of various nanomaterials in biological applications will be compared through in-class discussions.

Biotechnology 501 – Ethical Issues in Biotechnology (1 credit hour). Students investigate and discuss current controversial issues in biotechnology. This course emphasizes thinking about new technologies in a rational and thoughtful way.

Pharmacology (PHCO) 715 – The Molecular Pharmacology Of Cancer (2 units). This course deals with the molecular and cellular basis of anticancer and antiviral chemotherapy, with emphasis on novel approaches including immunotherapy, antisense oligonucleotides and gene therapy. The course includes faculty lectures and student presentations.

Pharmacology (PHCO) 738 – Nanomedicine (2 units). This course offers an introduction to the nascent interdisciplinary field of nanomedicine for students with physical/biological science backgrounds; course will be based on student-led discussions of current literature.

Prospective students can apply to the nanobiotechnology certificate programs at UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University by contacting Professor Roger Narayan at roger_narayan@ncsu.edu or roger_narayan@unc.edu. Standard UNC-Chapel Hill and NC State University tuition and application fees will be charged.

Beneficiaries

Graduate students in the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering on both campuses will be the primary beneficiaries of the graduate certificate programs. However, students in other departments in the College of Engineering at NC State University as well as the School of Medicine and College of Arts and Sciences at UNC-Chapel Hill will also benefit.